Lets try shame instead of coddling

From the Pensacola News-Journal

Three teenage boys have confessed to vandalizing the baby section of Pensacola Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home less than two weeks ago, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office said.

The boys -- ages 17, 14 and 13 -- each are charged with 33 counts of felony criminal mischief; 27 felony counts of injuring or removing a tomb or monument; and one count of trespassing, a misdemeanor.

Sgt. Mike Ward, a Sheriff's Office spokesman, said damage to the cemetery on Pine Forest Road was estimated at more than $3,000.

"(The teens) also confessed to taking 25 to 30 American flags that were still on the grounds to honor Veterans Day," Escambia County Investigator James O'Hara said. "They used them as torches and ran around burning stuff."

The teens told investigators they were bored.

"They did tremendous damage to things left for the children," O'Hara said. "Only one of the boys that was interviewed showed any remorse."

A call from Crime Stoppers led investigators to one of the boys. O'Hara said that boy identified the others.

The damage has angered and saddened the family members of those buried there.

Lori Rudd was heartbroken when she saw what vandals had done to her son's grave. She wants the teen punished.

"I am afraid they are going to get 10 or 20 hours of community service and that will be that," said Rudd. "I don't want the judge to just smack them on the wrist and tell them not to do it again."

I'm with Ms. Rudd, for I have a son buried in a Boynton Beach cemetery. A year or so ago someone came and took all the presents, stuffed animals and balloons off the baby graves at that cemetery too. Among the things taken off Daniel's grave was a angel statue. It angered me that there are such uncaring people in this area. There is few things worse than losing a child.

What these youths did in Pensacola was despicable. They should be punished, and for a start they should have their names printed and reported in the press. This practice of withholding names both by the MSM and police has to end. We'll have fewer 'bored' teenagers if they think they'll be shamed publicly if they commit crimes.

Linked to- Samantha Burns, Third World County, Uncooperative Blogger,